·
·
World
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Iraqchi states Lebanon will be included in any agreement with Washington and affirms unwavering support for Hezbollah.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Iraqchi stated that Iran emerged from its recent war stronger, emphasizing that the adversary had expected to subdue Iran through a 40-day conflict following a 12-day war but instead faced resistance from both the Iranian people and armed forces.
He expressed that Iranians owe a debt to every member of the armed forces and to the populace who continuously supported the state by remaining present in the streets.
During the special news dialogue program on Iran’s Khabar TV channel, Iraqchi stressed there is no contradiction between military action and diplomacy, asserting they operate in unison. He added that this time, media and public opinion also joined these two pillars, forming four coordinated elements moving together.
Iraqchi explained that diplomacy’s role is to consolidate battlefield achievements, with negotiators relying on military strength during discussions.
He revealed that foreign officials have told him they had not previously perceived Iran in such a manner, acknowledging that Iranians “created a surprise” by emerging stronger after the conflict.
Regarding ongoing negotiations, Iraqchi disclosed that the outcome is a 14-article memorandum of understanding, the details of which will be announced to the public once finalized.
He outlined that the negotiation process consists of two phases: the first being the memorandum of understanding, followed by a 60-day negotiation period focused on Iran’s nuclear file and sanctions relief.
The memorandum includes provisions to end hostilities on all fronts, particularly in Lebanon. Iraqchi affirmed, “We will never abandon Hezbollah, and the Lebanon file will be clearly mentioned in the memorandum of understanding.”
He added that the memorandum includes a commitment from the other party not to initiate war again or use threats and force, alongside mutual respect for Iran’s sovereignty and non-interference in internal affairs.
Iraqchi confirmed that some parties oppose the agreement and seek to undermine it, naming Israel as a primary opponent.
Addressing circulating leaks, he stated that no published texts regarding the agreement are credible so far, urging calm to allow the best possible deal to be reached and emphasizing that no agreement can fully benefit one side at the expense of the other.
The memorandum also addresses issues related to lifting the maritime blockade and the Strait of Hormuz.
Commenting on statements by U.S. President Donald Trump, Iraqchi said Trump “says whatever he wants through others,” adding that Iran would not have accepted current proposals if it had been willing to accept them previously.
He confirmed Iran’s readiness for any potential military confrontation, noting that Iranian armed forces have responded to every attack against the country and underscoring that Tehran will not relinquish its national interests nor yield to pressure.
Iraqchi reiterated that the military and diplomacy are complementary tracks, with each supporting the other.
Regarding the Strait of Hormuz, he described it as one of Iran’s deterrent tools, stating its future management will differ from the past. He revealed that Iran and Oman plan to issue a joint statement on the mechanism for managing the strait.
He added that Iranian armed forces will remain present in the region and intervene when necessary. He noted that international law does not permit imposing transit fees on ships passing through the strait but allows charging for services provided, a point to be formalized in negotiations.
On the issue of Iran’s frozen assets, Iraqchi affirmed that practical results will emerge after the agreement is finalized, including the full lifting of the blockade and the release of frozen Iranian assets.
He disclosed that the second phase of negotiations will cover sanctions relief, nuclear enrichment, stockpiles of enriched materials, and the establishment of a fund for Iran’s reconstruction. He explained Iran’s position involves addressing enriched materials by reducing their enrichment levels domestically.
Iraqchi noted that the 60-day negotiation period may be extended if progress is positive or terminated if negotiations prove unproductive, with decisions made according to prevailing circumstances.
He confirmed that Iran’s Supreme National Security Council fully supervises the negotiations, reviews all provisions, and makes final decisions.
He described the memorandum as not exceeding two pages, with every word subjected to multiple reviews, emphasizing that the Foreign Ministry handled the file with utmost precision.
Concluding, Iraqchi stated that the forthcoming agreement serves Iran’s national interests and helps solidify battlefield achievements. He remarked that the war erupted due to Iran’s insistence on its national interests and refusal to make concessions, asserting that adversaries will not achieve through negotiations what they failed to achieve through war.
He added that a U.S. official recently told him Washington has finally realized that Iranians “are different from others,” and indicated that if the agreement is ratified, it will be signed electronically and remotely before any official announcement.
